In the first part of our series on bringing hygge into your online classroom, we explored how teachers can create a cozier teaching environment through their workspace, lighting, favourite drinks, and moments of connection with students.

As a reminder, in case you missed last week’s article, hygge is a Danish concept centered around coziness, comfort, togetherness, and enjoying the simple things in life. It’s about creating an atmosphere where you can slow down, feel present, and enjoy the moment.

These small changes can boost your mood and well-being, while also helping your students feel more comfortable and engaged. By slowing down, appreciating simple pleasures, and creating an atmosphere where people can feel comfortable and present, you can create a more enjoyable experience for everyone in your online classroom.

This week, we’re sharing five more ways online teachers can incorporate hygge into their teaching.

1) Don’t Be Afraid of a Slower Lesson

Online teaching can sometimes feel like a race against the clock. There are lesson objectives to cover, activities to complete, and new material to get through.

Hygge reminds us that not every moment needs to be rushed or productive. Instead of filling every minute of a lesson with teaching content, allow some room for natural conversation. Give students a little extra time to think before answering a question, or let an interesting conversation continue instead of immediately moving on to the next activity.

The slower moments can make a lesson feel more relaxed and enjoyable for everyone. And often, students may remember the friendly conversation they had with you long after they’ve forgotten the grammar exercise they completed.

2) Create Comforting Classroom Routines

Hygge can also come from familiarity. Small routines can give students something to look forward to and help your virtual classroom feel like a welcoming space.

For example, you could start Monday classes by asking students about their weekend or end Friday classes by asking them to share one highlight from their week.

You could also have a regular “question of the day,” spend a few minutes chatting before the lesson begins, or finish each class with a positive reflection.

These routines don’t need to take up much time. It’s just that when students know what to expect, they can feel more comfortable and feel like they belong.

3) Bring a Little Nature Into Your Teaching

Nature is another simple way to add some hygge to your teaching environment. If possible, place a plant or some flowers near your desk, open your curtains to let in natural light, or position your workspace somewhere where you can see the outdoors.

You can also bring nature into your lessons. Use photos of forests, mountains, beaches, or other natural landscapes as conversation prompts. Ask students about their favourite outdoor places or have them describe a beautiful place they’ve visited.

If your teaching set up allows it, you could even occasionally take a lesson outdoors, such as your backyard or a quiet park if you have portable WiFi. A little greenery can make your teaching day feel more pleasant.

4) Appreciate the Simple Things

The most appealing thing about hygge is that it doesn’t require a lot of money. You don’t need an expensive home office or the latest technology to make your teaching environment more enjoyable.

Instead, pay attention to the small things that make your workday better. It could be as simple as sitting your favourite mug beside your laptop or getting a few minutes of sunshine between classes. Feeling the warmth of a comfortable sweater on a chilly morning or thinking about a funny comment from a student that makes you laugh can enhance your mood.

These moments can easily go unnoticed when we’re focused on productivity and getting things done. But taking the time to appreciate them can make an ordinary weekday feel a little more special.

5) Create a Classroom Where Everyone Feels Comfortable

Ultimately, hygge is less about what you have and more about how people feel.

As an online teacher, you have the opportunity to create a classroom where students feel comfortable being themselves, asking questions, making mistakes, and connecting with others.

Instead of focusing on a rigid schedule to your lessons, turn some of that focus towards creating a learning environment that feels welcoming, relaxed, and human.

Smile when students join your class. Celebrate their progress. Laugh together when something funny happens. Give them space to share their experiences. And remember that sometimes, a little kindness can be just as important as the lesson itself.

So the next time you start a class, don’t just think about what you want to teach, but also think about how you want your students to feel. Creating a great online classroom goes beyond the content you teach. It’s all about making the experience a little warmer, a little calmer, and a little more human.